MARKET TO MORTAR TO MOBILE | R-Eatz Grows on Winnebago Reservation with Native CDFI Help

Winnebago chef Reggie Frazier started his culinary career whipping up dishes on a hot plate at Ho-Chunk Village Farmer’s Market — or Nį̄šoc Wahāgi Hoci in the Ho-Chunk language. He quickly turned his passion for cooking into a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant and, now, a new food truck with loans from Ho Chunk Community Capital, a Native CDFI. Learn how R-Eatz is feeding the community and inspiring other Native entrepreneurs on the Winnebago reservation.  Plus, we asked Reggie and Ho Chunk Community Capital's Tony Wood what advice they'd give to aspiring Native entrepreneurs about starting a business. Tony Wood's Advice:- Native CDFIs like Ho Chunk Community Capital are available resources that many people don't know about, but can provide crucial startup capital and support.- The most important thing is having the drive and determination to follow through on your entrepreneurial dreams, even when things get challenging.- Talk with successful Native business owners like Reggie to share their stories and inspire others in the community.- Highlight the importance of continuing to support and promote Native-owned businesses.Reginald Frazier's Advice:- If it's your passion, take the risk and go for it - no one can take that passion away from you.- Don't be afraid to ask for help - there are programs and people like Tony who can guide you in the right direction.- Supporting one another in the community as fellow Native entrepreneurs.Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.